An extensive collection of Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions & customs from all over the world. To gather and preserve our rich and ancient heritage for generations to come. Please contribute your traditions to this site, email chrisav1984@gmail.com

Lazarakia

This tradition observes the miracle when the Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ
raised His friend Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb.

Practiced in Greece & Cyprus, the tradition of baking
Lazarakia (Lazarus Breads) honours
this awesome event and pays respect to St Lazarus. It is worth noting this
tradition started in Cyprus where St Lazarus was the first bishop of the
island.

It is worth mentioning the arms are folded and the body appears to be wrapped
– this is a reminder that St Lazarus was truly dead and wrapped in his burial
cloths when Christ came to resurrect him. Some Lazarakia have his legs bound, some
cut a split to create legs to represent St Lazarus walking out of his tomb.